After a whirlwind roster cutdown day, standout UDFA NaJee Thompson made the final 53-man roster. Thompson will be the team’s fifth cornerback and will likely see a majority of playing time on special teams. He made the team over former Patriots’ 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams, likely because of his incredible hustle on ST.
The media frenzy on cutdown day is always panicking. Fans lament the loss of camp standouts that they believe earned a roster spot. Vikings fans were upset, with reason, as news trickled out that NaJee Thompson was one of the team’s final cuts. Luckily, though, the news was false, and people were ecstatic.
The light has left my life https://t.co/XBMGJxhkiV
— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) August 29, 2023
WE RIIIIDEEEEEEEEEE https://t.co/QHTVbGS6x1
— Luke Braun (@LukeBraunNFL) August 29, 2023
Thompson is another feel-good story for Minnesota, as he didn’t get to hear his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft. He is still relatively new to the corner position, so there is decent upside. Thompson was a wide receiver for the Georgia Southern Eagles until the 2021 season when he switched to the defensive side of the ball. He appeared in all 13 games in 2022 and started eight, tallying 11 PBUs and one interception. He was also a first team All-American on special teams in 2021 (from Pro Football Network).
An everyday thing for him @najee_thompson pic.twitter.com/IZuT3s5KM4
— Anthony Beck II (@anthony_beck4) August 11, 2023
In Minnesota, the young CB continued making spectacular special teams plays throughout training camp and the preseason. His effort was noted throughout the broadcasts and by coaches’ interviews as well as a series of offseason reports throughout all stages of practices. Additionally, he made a few impressive plays in pass coverage.
Special Teams Appreciation Post@najee_thompson 😤😤
📺: @fox9 pic.twitter.com/9W72fzWG9T
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 20, 2023
. @najee_thompson on Lockdown Mode🔒 pic.twitter.com/hcZ2RMM2PX
— Minnesota Vikings UK (@UKVikings) August 17, 2023
It’s amazing when young players can make a name for themselves through turning heads in camp when undrafted, and Thompson joins other UDFA’s Ivan Pace and Andre Carter II on the final roster. All three will be instant contributors and for Thompson to assert his dominance as a tremendous standout at demolishing opposing returners.
